Office of the President
The Chance to Hear
Why have I had a multitude of opportunities to hear the Good News of Christ while so
many have never had the chance … even once? This is the greatest of all social injustices.
We have the needed people, money, technology, and strategies for everyone to hear. Yet,
millions languish with critically low or no access to the Gospel. This must not continue.
After many conversations, fasting, and much prayer throughout 2014-2015, I was con-
vinced God wanted One Mission Society to take a bold step of faith, a vision far beyond
our resources but not beyond his. In a conversation with a coworker, the idea of giving at
least a billion people over 10 years the opportunity to hear, understand, and believe the
Gospel came into focus. This vision quickly became an unquenchable passion.
But was God really calling OMS to this vision? It was tested in 2015 by presenting it to
OMS missionary leaders, the Men for Missions cabinet, and the OMS Board of Trustees,
who consistently and strongly affirmed it. We launched the Billion.Global vision in July
2016. We recently completed year 3 of the 10-year journey.
Since the first year of this vision, we’ve emphasized evangelism and discipleship. A
few criticisms have come. But instead of being discouraged, they have strengthened the
resolve to press forward.
Amazingly, God has provided some great servant-leaders to shape and give direction to
Billion.Global. He has led many organizational partners to engage with us in carrying it out.
Collaboration between partners is growing. Generous people give to support this vision.
Most importantly, more people are being given the opportunity to hear the best news ever
and become disciples!
Hudson Taylor wrote, “There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is im-
possible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” These Outreach Online pages give an update
from somewhere between stage one and stage two. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a future
issue focused on stage three, all for God’s glory?
Bob Fetherlin
3